modern classics

How the Gold Rush Became a Modern Classic

The Milk & Honey staple was, surprisingly, not invented by a bartender.

• story: Robert Simonson
• photo: Lizzie Munro

Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s Amaretto Sour

This update calls on overproof bourbon for added backbone and balance.

Remember the Alimony

According to Robert Simonson, this is one of the best of the modern sherry cocktails out there.

Earl Grey MarTEAni

Audrey Saunders’ reknowned non-Martini MarTEAni helped pave the way for the gin Martini's return.

Cable Car

This spiced rum-based Sidecar became the signature of San Francisco's Starlight Room.

Oaxaca Old-Fashioned

The modern classic that helped spark a boom in mezcal cocktails.

Penicillin

A spicy, smoky turn on the Whiskey Sour.

Paper Plane

Sam Ross's straightforward equal-parts modern classic.

Old Cuban

Audrey Saunders was a master of taking old classics and giving them inventive new life—in this case a Mojito, which she tops with Champagne.

Piña Verde

Erick Castro’s herbal, modern-classic play on the Piña Colada.